* Players that are logged in when a [[Game updates|game update]] is released cannot enter matches and new matches will not be created until the update is downloaded, which causes consecutive win streaks to end.

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* Players that are logged in when a [[Game updates|game update]] is released cannot butt fuk there mother and new matches will not be created until the update is downloaded, which causes consecutive win streaks to end.

Contents

Warning: Key elements of this PvP-related article are incomplete. You can help the Guild Wars Wiki by expanding it.

This article is about the gameplay type. For the effect given in pvp outposts, see PvP (effect).

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Although you are currently playing a character intended for cooperative play (or a storyline character), you may still compete in PvP with this character if you wish. Here in the monastery you can speak to the arena gate guard to gain entrance to the practice PvP arena for trainees in the monastery. Once you leave the monastery and continue in your adventures, there is a separate location where all PvP takes place. You can travel to the PvP competition zone by clicking on the small boat icon on your map. If you wish to create a PvP-only character, you may do so by returning to the main login screen and selecting the "PvP-Only Character" option. Doing so will create a character that can load directly into the various PvP competition zones. The one exception is Guild Battles, which require that you join a guild before being able to take part.

Player versus player (PvP) is a style of gameplay that pits players against each other in a competition. The objective in PvP is to defeat the opposing team(s), which can be accomplished by one of several different means, depending on the format. This could be capturing control points, defeating the opponent's Guild Lord, scoring a higher kill count or just regular deathmatch. As balance is a concern in PvP, many skills are weaker in competitive play than in PvE.

Most teams will have healing, and any offensive strategy must have a way to overcome it. Disabling skills, knock downs, interrupts, and skills that prevent or delay opponents from acting are stronger in PvP.

Arena battles

Arena battles put two teams of four players against each other. The winning objectives vary, depending on the map. Losing players are sent back to the lobby area, while the winning team awaits the next opposing team for the next match.

There are two kind of arenas, Random Arena and Codex Arena. In Random Arenas, players are randomly put together into teams. In the Codex Arena, parties are formed but they have only a limited number of skills that change every day.

Notes:

Arena battles are fast paced. Fights usually end in less than three minutes.

Random Arenas are often used by many players as a "quick fix" of PvP. Other than a few points of Balthazar faction there is nothing at stake and there are no lengthy party forming periods, which can take a huge amount of time in Tournament Battles and GvG. For these reasons, Random Arenas are also a good way to try out PvP for new players.

Leaving the party after the battle or mission has started is generally considered rude, and will often make players angry. In Random Arena battles, missing party members get replaced by a new player between battles. So if you need to leave, do so after your party has won the battle, but before the timer for the next map starts.

Tournament battles

The Global Tournament is only accessible through Heroes' Ascent. Teams consist of eight players, with no more than two henchmen. The tournament consists of several consecutive maps. The losers drop out, the winners advance to the next round. Different map types are used, many of them consisting of more than two teams. However, only one team advances to the next round. The highest number of teams that can play used to be 6, however the number of teams in one battle is now limited to 3. The number of teams is also determined by the map the player is on.

Guild vs Guild Battles

Guild Battles are the highest form of PvP in Guild Wars. Elaborate builds and strategies are used during guild matches. They are the only source of guild rating, which determines the guilds rank on the guild ladder.
For more detail, see the article: Guild versus Guild.

Automated tournaments

Three times a day, automated tournaments take place for Guild versus Guild. After paying a small entry fee, guilds compete in several round robin matches. Winning matches gives players Tournament Reward Points (used to unlock new skins for items and weapons in PvP) and the top guilds in each tournament receive qualifier points needed to enter a monthly tournament.

Conduct and etiquette

Where there is no automatic resurrection, make every effort to carry a Resurrection Signet in your build, as it can turn the tide of battle. Many teams win simply due to having a Resurrection Signet when the other team does not (especially in the Random Arenas). Monks, Ritualists and Paragons can carry other resurrect skills, or none at all, as they may not have time to resurrect.

Running away from your enemies for the sole purpose of prolonging a match is considered rude. Most people who do this use Ranger builds because of their defensive stances or Assassin Shadow Step abilities; however, it is possible for any profession to run. However, basic kiting and such is good tactics/playing so long as you are not simply running away.

Dishonorable Combatant System is used to punish players who leave a PvP match prematurely, for leeching experience or faction, or for falsely reporting team members for leeching.